Redarc - To fuse or not to fuse?

In my opinion Yes.
I used a redarc isolator when I installed my auxiliary battery and I definitely put a fuse onto my auxiliary battery positive lead, very close the the battery terminal.

I also put fuses on every wire I ran from the auxiliary battery just to be safe. In fact I put in a 8 fuse, fuse box through which all my auxiliary power runs. There are no unfused wires.
WBS

I asked this same question about a year ago. I was told that by fusing it you cant then join both batteries with the push button as it will just blow the fuse. It bothered me so much trying to make a decision so i took it to an auto sparkie and let him decide. He didnt fit one, just wrapped all the cables in thick heater hose, as both batteries were side by side. Cant see any dramas with that.

Chris,

If you were to use the push button switch option to start a dead battery, then NO, you can't use any short circuit protection.

So I'll assume that you are not fitting the starter option. And my answer is YES, you need short circuit protection. Having witnessed a battery fire under a bonnet 10 years back, its not a pretty sight.

But don't use a fuse because they can easily corrode when placed next to batteries and become the source of frustration. Do what the vehicle manufacturers and the smarter Isolator manufacturers do and use FUSIBLE LINKS.

You can buy the Narva Fusible Link material from Motor Traders in Adelaide. The thickest stuff they have is 14Gauge. To make up the fusible link use 2 lengths of 14Ga for each link and crimp (not solder) a good quality 5/16ths connector at each end. One end will go on the pos terminal, the other end can simply be atached to your cable with a short stainless steel bolt. Surround everything in split conduit.

This is identical to what is supplied by Rotronics for their Isolators. You may be able to buy these links directly from Rotronics. Opposite Lock stock the isolators but don't stock the fusible links individually. And make up a couple of extras to carry as spares.

Cheers
Phil

Don't get me wrong I like this forum however why not simply wire the isolator as per the OEM's diagrams.

Redarc recommends their Smart Start should to have a “fuse” on each 'pos' (+) battery cable attached as close as practicable to the battery terminal.

more Smart Start Dual battery installation info

I don't use fuses or fusible links in my Dual Battery System's 32mm² cables because I did the installion and elect to accept all percieved risks.

However, when I'm paid to do the same work I *always* use fuses or resettable circuit breakers at each battery (+) terminal.

In your case, I would suggest that it's not nesesary _ IF _ you have the batteries and also your battery cable *securely attached* and YOU are also prepared to accept the entire risk associated with the installation ??
( that was a question - not a statement )

Maîneÿ . . .

Thanks for all the replies fellas.
I decided to go without fuses and use , covered in heat shrink, covered by another layer of corrugated split tube just to be safe.